I wanted to post a piece about the USS NY.  Many army soldiers and other military members joined the service after 9/11 or have re-committed their careers after that traumatic event.  It is awesome to see a new Navy vessel built from 9/11 WTC steel and dedicated to NYC!

The amphibious ships like USS NY are essential for use when seaport facilites are not available, under attack, or cannot support deep water vessels.  The USS NY can transport light vehicles and Marines to a beach quickly for combat, stability, or humanitarian operations.  As an army officer in the army watercraft field, I look forward to seeing the USS NY up close and hopefully training and working with the vessel and its crew!!

Below are some excerpts about the ship and some great U.S. Navy photos.

The USS New York, a U.S. Navy transport ship built with World Trade Center Steel as a tribute to 9/11, arrived in New York City harbor last week. 

The USS New York is a transport ship known as an LPD, or landing platform dock. Theses LPD's are made to carry expeditionary forces and cargo for modern day combat. The New York will support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as a secondary aviation platform for amphibious ready groups. Able to assemble in various configurations, the New York can carry landing craft used for beach deployments by Marines and Special Forces personnel.

In a passenger carrying status, the New York can transport over 600 Marines. In a cargo carrying capacity, the New York can transport 3 different types of helicopters or landing craft platforms. The ship's crew is made up of 360 Sailors and 3 Marines. Of the 360 sailors, 28 are ship officers.

The USS New York has garnered widespread publicity this year. The ship's crew- members were part of the New York Yankees pre-game ceremonies on 9/11. One sailor from the crew was a guest blogger for the New York Post last month. The ship has an official website, blog, and U.S. Navy site. The commanding officer of the ship has even offered a virtual plank ownership to those interested.

www.navy.mil/ussny

Great U.S. Navy photos of the U.S.S. NY below!